Also nicknamed the Snake Alley, Huaxi Street Night Market is located near Longshan Temple. I wanted to try snake meat and this trip to Taipei was the perfect occasion !
We went to the night market looking for snakes’ restaurants but we didn’t find a lot of them. Just two, actually. The first one was empty and creepy looking but the second one had customers inside so we went in. A huge white and yellow snake was sleeping behind a glass next to the entrance and we could see smaller ones piled up in aquariums against the wall. We could also see dead mice inside, not pretty... but not enough to disgust me !
An old taiwanese man welcomed us and we sat at a table in the back. The menu was stuck on it, entirely in chinese. It was hard to choose but the man kindly told us what dishes were best. He recommended two dishes and one soup. Other customers were drinking that soup but when I took a peek at it, it didn’t look that yummy so I decided to go for the two dishes only.
An old taiwanese man welcomed us and we sat at a table in the back. The menu was stuck on it, entirely in chinese. It was hard to choose but the man kindly told us what dishes were best. He recommended two dishes and one soup. Other customers were drinking that soup but when I took a peek at it, it didn’t look that yummy so I decided to go for the two dishes only.
I regretted my decision right after he left because I realized that the soup came with three alcohol shots. Alcohol made with blood or snake’s poison, something I really wanted to try as well.
Ah, anyway. The first dish was made with basil. It was not bad, just a little too salty for my taste. However the second one was just delicious. The sauce was soft, garlic tasting, perfect for snake meat. People told me that snake taste just like chicken and I found it to be true. The taste is a tiny bit softer than chicken and the texture... rubbery ? It was good, I really liked it.
So it was expensive (800 TWD) but I enjoyed my experience a lot. If you are looking for “exotic” food, try for snake !
Ah, anyway. The first dish was made with basil. It was not bad, just a little too salty for my taste. However the second one was just delicious. The sauce was soft, garlic tasting, perfect for snake meat. People told me that snake taste just like chicken and I found it to be true. The taste is a tiny bit softer than chicken and the texture... rubbery ? It was good, I really liked it.
So it was expensive (800 TWD) but I enjoyed my experience a lot. If you are looking for “exotic” food, try for snake !
After this restaurant, we walked through the Night Market. There was a LOT of street food stands. I would have loved to try everything but after a vietnamese sandwich (60TWD) and two creamy pastries (20TWD) I was already full. It was really good and cheap ! We didn’t stay long and I don’t remember what we could find here. I wish I could describe the market more but the only thing I remember is the food ! Address : Taipei Hwahsi Tourist Night MarketLane 21, Huaxi St, Wanhua District Station : Longshan Temple (blue line) exit 1 Direction : Get to the temple and take the road on the building's left. Walk straight, cross the road, still walk straigt. At the next intersection, cross on the left. You will see a fire station. Walk until you see the big Snake Alley's entrance. |
Pix provided by Lazy Viruses.